Johnson's commentary is filled with much spiritual and practical insights. He shows convincingly that the letter of James is not a hodge-podge of morally wise sayings - much like proverbs - but a a letter with a logical progression of unified thought. His unique discussion of the James-Paul debate puts their "differences" in an enlightening perspective that lends weight to their agreement rather than their supposed contradictory view of faith/works.

His delving into the word meanings and possible translations of particular texts is absorbing and the way he shows the coherent relationship between sections of texts with other sections and with the epistle as a whole leaves one with a better appreciation and understandng of James' divinely inspired insights. One interesting note that Johnson makes is that the letter of james is prophetic in line and in sympathy with the Hebrew prophets.

Johnson's commentary on James is semi-technical. But that shouldn't make anyone afraid to read it because, despite it's thorough exegetical investigation into language, context, historical background, it is rather easy to read and grasp. I would advise anyone having trouble undertanding James' epistle, the Paul/James debate, the logical inter-connection between sections of verses and ideas, should read this, especially for ministers desiring to preach or teach on this epistle. ( )

http://stromata.tripod.com/id120.htm ( )